Pie in a Jar

Have you ever wanted to have some pie, but you didn’t want to make a whole pie, just to have one slice? I love pie, but hate to make a whole pie and have to throw it out, because it doesn’t get eaten. I have found the solution to this problem. It’s called pie in a jar. No, I didn’t come up with this idea, but I did see it on Pinterest and tried it and loved it. I’ve decided to share it with you, since I love it so much!

All you need is a premade pie crust and pie filling, both of which you can purchase at any grocery store. Or, if you have a baking thumb, you can make crust and filling yourself. The only other things you need are half pint mason jars.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Bernais/flickr

So here’s what you do: Take small balls of pie crust and flatten them out. Line the inside of the jar with the pie crust. This will not go in easy, like it would in a regular pie plate because it’s small and does not have a slope to it. Just do the best you can. Cut off the crust that is sticking up above the jar.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Bernais/flickr

Fill the jar three-quarters full with the filling. Flatten out some more pie crust and use the lid of the jar to cut the crust top, much like cutting out sugar cookies. Then place the round piece of dough on top of the filling. You can crimp the edges of the crusts together and poke a couple of holes in the top with a fork.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Bernais/flickr

From here, the pie can go straight into the oven, or you can place the lid on the jar and stick it in the freezer to eat later. I always make more of these pies than I plan on eating that day, so I can pull one or two out on another day and just pop it in the oven. Then, I can have one piece of pie (or jar of pie) whenever I want, without having to make the whole thing! Bake pies at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes if not frozen, or 45-60 minutes if frozen.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Bernais/flickr

Joy Larson is a mother of four boys, graduate of The University of Montana, animal lover and writer.